Jul 18, 2014

There's a popular saying that goes, "If you're white, you're alright. If you're brown, stick around. But if you're Black get back."

This saying perfectly sums up the premise of colorism.

Colorism is a disease that has run rampant throughout our community every since we were first introduced to the concept of colonialism and white supremacy. It is a disease that has taught us to hate ourselves and anything that is a reminder of our roots to the Motherland.

Colorism not only has a firm root in our community, but it is prevalent throughout all entertainment. Just incase you need a reminder of its impact all you have to do is read the casting call list for female extras in the N.W.A. biopic, Straight Outta Compton.
Here is how the casting list read:

SAG OR NON UNION CASTING NOTICE FOR FEMALES-ALL ETHNICITIES- from the late 80′s. Shoots on “Straight Outta Compton”. Shoot date TBD. We are pulling photos for the director of featured extras. VERY IMPORTANT – You MUST live in the Los Angeles area (Orange County is fine too) to work on this show. DO NOT SUBMIT if you live out of the area. Nobody is going to be flying into LA to do extra work on this show – and don’t tell me you are willing to fly in.

SAG OR NON UNION FEMALES – PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR SPECIFIC BREAKDOWN. DO NOT EMAIL IN FOR MORE THAN ONE CATEGORY:

A GIRLS: These are the hottest of the hottest. Models. MUST have real hair – no extensions, very classy looking, great bodies. You can be black, white, asian, hispanic, mid eastern, or mixed race too. Age 18-30. Please email a current color photo, your name, Union status, height/weight, age, city in which you live and phone number to: SandeAlessiCasting@gmail.com subject line should read: A GIRLS

B GIRLS: These are fine girls, long natural hair, really nice bodies. Small waists, nice hips. You should be light-skinned. Beyonce is a prototype here. Age 18-30. Please email a current color photo, your name, Union status, height/weight, age, city in which you live and phone number to: SandeAlessiCasting@gmail.com subject line should read: B GIRLS

C GIRLS: These are African American girls, medium to light skinned with a weave. Age 18-30. Please email a current color photo, your name, Union status, height/weight, age, city in which you live and phone number to: SandeAlessiCasting@gmail.com subject line should read: C GIRLS

D GIRLS: These are African American girls. Poor, not in good shape. Medium to dark skin tone. Character types. Age 18-30. Please email a current color photo, your name, Union status, height/weight, age, city in which you live and phone number to: SandeAlessiCasting@gmail.com subject line should read: D GIRLS

To say that this casting call list is shocking to me would be a lie. You can look at any random music video and get an idea of what separates a 'B' girl from a 'D'. I'm just surprised we are still putting up with this B.S.

What I really want to know is who came up with the criteria for the women? Now that is the million dollar question?